Istanbul cancels Robbie Williams concert over safety fears following anti-Israel activist pressure

**Istanbul Cancels Robbie Williams Concert Over Safety Fears Following Anti-Israel Activist Pressure**

Istanbul authorities have canceled Robbie Williams’ upcoming concert in the city following online backlash. The singer was labeled a Zionist due to his ties to Israel and his Jewish family, leading to concerns over safety.

The decision came amid pressure from anti-Israel activists who campaigned against the show, prompting officials to reconsider the event to avoid potential security risks.

Robbie Williams was recently seen performing at the FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, 2025. This cancellation marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions related to artists’ political associations.

*Illustrative photo credit: REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR*
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/bds-threat/article-869407

Trump plans to deploy National Guard in Illinois, governor says

The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday. Pritzker revealed that the guard received word from the Pentagon in the morning that the troops would be called up. He did not specify when or where they would be deployed, but President Donald Trump has long threatened to send troops to Chicago.

“This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will.”

A spokesperson for the governor’s office said she could not provide additional details. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to questions about Pritzker’s statement.

The escalation of federal law enforcement in Illinois follows similar deployments in other parts of the country. Over the summer, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Tennessee National Guard troops are expected to help Memphis police.

In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued to stop the deployment in Los Angeles and won a temporary block in federal court. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, which deemed the use of the guard illegal. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has indicated that it believes the government is likely to prevail.

Pritzker called Trump’s move in Illinois a “manufactured performance” that would pull the state’s National Guard troops away from their families and regular jobs. “For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” said the governor.

He also noted that state, county, and local law enforcement have been coordinating to ensure the safety of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Broadview facility on the outskirts of Chicago. Federal officials reported the arrests of 13 people protesting near the facility on Friday. The facility has been frequently targeted during the administration’s surge of immigration enforcement this fall.

Last month, Trump said he was sending federal troops to Portland, Oregon, calling the city war-ravaged. However, local officials have suggested that many of his claims and social media posts appear to rely on outdated images from 2020, a time when demonstrations and unrest gripped the city following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

City and state officials sued to stop that deployment the next day. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut heard arguments Friday, with a ruling expected over the weekend.

Trump has federalized 200 National Guard troops in Oregon, but so far, they do not appear to have moved into Portland. They have been seen training on the coast in anticipation of deployment.

___
Associated Press reporter Rebecca Boone contributed.
Thomas Peipert, The Associated Press
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-plans-deploy-national-guard-191248616.html

‘Tere Mele Ki Maa Ki…’: BJP Youth Leader Threatens Man With Gun During Kanpur Ramlila; Arrested After Video Goes Viral

**Kanpur BJP Youth Leader Threatens Man with Pistol During Ramlila Program; Video Goes Viral**

*Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), October 04:*

A shocking video has surfaced on social media showing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth leader allegedly threatening a man during a Ramlila program in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The footage, which is rapidly being shared across various platforms, captures the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leader showering money on female dancers and brandishing a pistol when confronted about his behavior.

**Incident Details**

The person identified in the video is Amitesh Shukla, a BJYM leader. The incident reportedly took place in Bhaunti village, situated under the Sachendi Police Station jurisdiction. The Ramlila program was part of the village’s Dussehra celebrations.

According to reports, Shukla was openly showering money on dancers. When bystanders objected to his actions, he allegedly pulled out a gun, pointed it at a man, and threatened to kill him. In the video, he is heard saying,
*”Teri g**nd me abhi chadaunga aur chatse aise marunga. Dus hazar rupaiya maine udaaya, koi udaaya?”*
He then verbally abused the man, saying,
*”Are bhaag bh****ke, tere mele ki maa ki ch*t.”*

**Viral Video & Police Response**

An onlooker recorded the entire incident, and the video quickly went viral on social media. Prompted by the widespread attention, the police moved swiftly to address the situation. Amitesh Shukla was arrested, and further investigations are underway.

**Police Statement**

Deputy Commissioner of Police West, Kapil Dev Singh, confirmed the arrest and stated,
*”The identity of the young man threatening with a pistol in the viral video has been established as Amitesh Shukla. The police have taken him into custody along with the illegal weapon and registered a case against him. So far, no evidence of any political connection has been found. The investigation into the source of the pistol and other facts is ongoing.”*

**Congress Reacts**

The Uttar Pradesh Congress party also condemned the incident. Sharing the video on its official social media accounts, the party alleged a rise in lawlessness and labeled the incident as a clear example of “BJP leaders’ hooliganism.”

The Congress statement read:
*”This video is from Kanpur’s Dussehra fair. BJP Yuva Morcha minister Amitesh Shukla can be seen threatening a young man with a pistol and using abusive language. BJP hooliganism is at its peak right now.”*

The incident has once again ignited concerns about public safety and the conduct of political leaders during festive events. Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tere-mele-ki-maa-ki-bjp-youth-leader-threatens-man-with-gun-during-kanpur-ramlila-arrested-after-video-goes-viral

Madhya Pradesh Political Punch: Whining Tone, Tense Trio, BJP’s Songbirds & More

**Whining Tone Among Opposition Leaders Intensifies**

The number of complaints among the leaders of the opposition camp is increasing as the state government completes two years in office. Alongside the government, the MPCC president and the Leader of the Opposition are also marking their two-year tenure. Congress leaders are hopeful that the high command may consider some changes within the party in the coming days. Consequently, each leader is staking their claim.

Earlier, a former minister expressed his views in a whining tone, targeting both the party’s state in-charge and the MPCC president. Soon after, a former party president took the leadership to task. A senior legislator frequently takes indirect jabs at the leadership whenever the opportunity arises. Adding to the complexity, a former chief minister is reportedly pursuing his own agenda quietly, unhappy with some decisions made by the high command. Since open criticism is not an option, he is working behind the scenes.

However hard they may try, party leadership is not expected to make any changes, at least for now.

**”Savings” Is the New Buzzword in BJP’s State Unit**

The new state head of the BJP brings a different style characterized by a focus on plain living and saving every penny. The BJP office incurs a substantial expense on fuel to run vehicles for party leaders. To cut down on these costs, the new state unit head has emphasized the adoption of electric vehicles, and the party is already implementing this advice.

The state unit head has acquired an electric vehicle for his own use and preparations are underway to procure similar cars for other leaders. He believes that switching to electric vehicles will significantly reduce expenditures on petrol and diesel.

Since taking over as the state party head, he has maintained a low profile and limits his use of party facilities, even paying his own hotel bills during official trips. While he has not yet imposed restrictions on others’ expenses, plans to do so are expected soon.

**A Former MP Becomes Active Again**

A former Member of Parliament from the state capital has returned to active politics following a favorable court judgment. Previously, after being denied a ticket and with a pending legal case against her, she had maintained silence on public issues.

The court’s acquittal has now encouraged her to re-engage in politics. Her recent statement against a particular caste brought her back into the limelight, though it was met with disapproval from some leaders within her own party. They expressed concern that such comments could disrupt the social harmony prevailing in the state and are wary of turning the state into another UP.

Despite her recent vocal presence, it is widely believed that the BJP will not assign her any significant responsibility.

**Tense Trio Faces Uncertain Future Amid Cabinet Expansion Rumors**

The mere mention of a state cabinet expansion has put three ministers on edge. These ministers have been involved in various disputes, and media rumors suggest that all three could be dropped from the cabinet. Consequently, they oppose any expansion and are making every effort to retain their ministerial positions.

One minister has allied himself with a central minister to secure his berth, maintaining close contact with him. Another relies entirely on the support of his political boss, believing only the boss can safeguard his position. The third minister lacks a powerful patron and is instead attempting to retain his post by leveraging caste equations with the head of state.

**Ongoing Tug of War Between Minister and Former Minister**

The rivalry between a current minister and a former minister in the state shows no sign of abating. Recently, the head of state visited the current minister’s constituency and announced plans to change the area’s name, following the minister’s recommendations. The minister was delighted by this announcement.

However, the former minister quickly opposed the renaming, rallying protests from a particular caste community whose support politicians nationwide seek. The community petitioned the minister, urging him not to proceed with the name change. Concerned about potential unrest, the government is now hesitant to engage in this dispute.

The current minister perceives canceling the name change as a personal insult and is pressuring the administration to honor the head of state’s announcement. This situation echoes a previous incident where a protest led by the former minister thwarted the current minister’s attempt to create a new district.

**BJP’s Singing Ministers Charmer Public with Their Voices**

Several BJP leaders are showing hidden talents for singing, with a minister from Indore leading the charge. He performs both bhajans (devotional songs) and classic Bollywood numbers from the golden era of Indian music.

Another minister from the Chambal region also sings bhajans at public events, with his videos frequently going viral on social media. A woman minister from the state capital similarly enchants audiences with her silky voice during religious functions organized by her followers.

Meanwhile, another minister, who is the daughter-in-law of a former chief minister, is reportedly undergoing vocal training. There is growing anticipation to see how many more BJP leaders will take up singing and showcase their talents at public functions in the near future.

*Story by Nitendra Sharma*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-political-punch-whining-tone-tense-trio-bjps-songbirds-more

Lorde to join ‘no music for genocide’ anti-Israel boycott

**Lorde to Join ‘No Music for Genocide’ Anti-Israel Boycott**

Singer Lorde, along with over 1,000 music industry professionals, has joined the “No Music for Genocide” campaign by geo-blocking their music to make it inaccessible to Israeli listeners. This collective action aims to protest against Israeli policies through a cultural boycott.

Lorde, known for her impactful music and advocacy, is among the high-profile artists participating in this movement. The campaign reflects growing calls within the arts community to take a stand against perceived injustices.

The New Zealand singer was last seen attending Variety’s 2021 Power of Women event at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills, California, on September 30, 2021.

*Photo credit: REUTERS*

*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-869373

UP Minister OP Rajbhar Mocks SP’s ‘PDA Pathshala,’ Calls It ‘Parivar Development Authority’

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar has taken a sharp swipe at the Samajwadi Party’s new educational initiative, “PDA Pathshala,” calling it a “Parivar Development Authority” rather than a school for children. Rajbhar mocked the program, saying it teaches the alphabet not with educational values but with references to the Samajwadi Party’s top family members.

“In their school, A stands for Akhilesh, D for Dimple, and P for Parivar,” he said, accusing the SP of promoting family politics under the guise of social welfare.

The Samajwadi Party launched PDA Pathshala earlier this year in protest against the Yogi Adityanath government’s decision to merge or close down several primary schools across Uttar Pradesh. The party claims the closures have deprived thousands of children from backward, Dalit, and minority communities of basic education.

The PDA Pathshala aims to fill this gap by offering free grassroots learning in informal community-run setups, focusing on literacy, social awareness, and political education. The move has sparked controversy and intensified the political slugfest between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Uttar Pradesh government has registered FIRs against several SP leaders and workers for allegedly running unauthorized schools and politicizing education. BJP leaders have accused the SP of using children as instruments of political indoctrination.

“They are trying to poison young minds with divisive propaganda instead of providing real education,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.

The Samajwadi Party, however, has defended its initiative, arguing that PDA Pathshala is a social response to government apathy.

“When the government shuts schools and denies education to Dalits, OBCs, and minorities, we will open doors of learning ourselves,” an SP functionary said. “The BJP fears an aware generation that questions inequality.”

The row over PDA Pathshala reflects deeper political tensions in Uttar Pradesh as the 2027 assembly elections draw closer. Education has become the new battleground for warring parties seeking to shape the social narrative.

While the Yogi Adityanath government insists that merging schools is meant to optimize resources and improve standards, opposition parties see it as a step that disproportionately affects children from weaker sections.

Analysts view the PDA Pathshala campaign as part of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s broader strategy to rebuild his party’s traditional support base among OBCs, Dalits, and minorities. By invoking the legacy of Ambedkar, Charan Singh, and Mulayam Singh alongside contemporary figures like Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav, the SP appears to be blending social justice with emotional symbolism.

Minister OP Rajbhar’s remarks have further inflamed the debate, highlighting how education, identity, and politics are now deeply intertwined in Uttar Pradesh’s evolving electoral landscape. The controversy is expected to intensify as both parties use the issue to rally their respective constituencies in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-minister-op-rajbhar-mocks-sps-pda-pathshala-calls-it-parivar-development-authority

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in relation to the recent stampede that occurred in Karur last week.

The incident, which resulted in significant public concern, has drawn the court’s attention due to the circumstances surrounding the event. The high court’s remarks highlight the importance of ensuring safety and proper management during political gatherings.

Further investigations and proceedings are expected as the authorities look into the causes and accountability related to the stampede. The court’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by political organizations in maintaining public order during events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

UP Minister OP Rajbhar Mocks SP’s ‘PDA Pathshala,’ Calls It ‘Parivar Development Authority’

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar has taken a sharp swipe at the Samajwadi Party’s new educational initiative, “PDA Pathshala,” calling it a “Parivar Development Authority” rather than a school for children. Rajbhar mocked the program, saying it teaches the alphabet not with educational values but with references to the Samajwadi Party’s top family members.

“In their school, A stands for Akhilesh, D for Dimple, and P for Parivar,” he said, accusing the SP of promoting family politics under the guise of social welfare.

The Samajwadi Party launched PDA Pathshala earlier this year in protest against the Yogi Adityanath government’s decision to merge or close down several primary schools across Uttar Pradesh. The party claims the closures have deprived thousands of children from backward, Dalit, and minority communities of basic education.

The PDA Pathshala aims to fill this gap by offering free grassroots learning in informal community-run setups, focusing on literacy, social awareness, and political education.

The move has sparked controversy and intensified the political slugfest between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Uttar Pradesh government has registered FIRs against several SP leaders and workers for allegedly running unauthorized schools and politicizing education.

BJP leaders have accused the SP of using children as instruments of political indoctrination. “They are trying to poison young minds with divisive propaganda instead of providing real education,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.

The Samajwadi Party, however, has defended its initiative, arguing that PDA Pathshala is a social response to government apathy. “When the government shuts schools and denies education to Dalits, OBCs, and minorities, we will open doors of learning ourselves,” an SP functionary said. “The BJP fears an aware generation that questions inequality.”

The row over PDA Pathshala reflects deeper political tensions in Uttar Pradesh as the 2027 assembly elections draw closer. Education has become the new battleground for warring parties seeking to shape the social narrative.

While the Yogi Adityanath government insists that merging schools is meant to optimize resources and improve standards, opposition parties see it as a step that disproportionately affects children from weaker sections.

Analysts view the PDA Pathshala campaign as part of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s broader strategy to rebuild his party’s traditional support base among OBCs, Dalits, and minorities. By invoking the legacy of Ambedkar, Charan Singh, and Mulayam Singh alongside contemporary figures like Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav, the SP appears to be blending social justice with emotional symbolism.

Minister OP Rajbhar’s remarks have further inflamed the debate, highlighting how education, identity, and politics are now deeply intertwined in Uttar Pradesh’s evolving electoral landscape. The controversy is expected to intensify as both parties use the issue to rally their respective constituencies in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-minister-op-rajbhar-mocks-sps-pda-pathshala-calls-it-parivar-development-authority

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in connection with a recent stampede in Karur.

The incident, which occurred last week, raised serious concerns about the party’s event management and safety measures. The court’s remarks highlight the need for greater responsibility during public gatherings organized by political groups.

Further details on the stampede and the court’s directives are awaited as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, following a stampede that occurred in Karur last week.

The court’s remarks came amid investigations into the incident, which resulted in casualties and raised concerns about crowd management during political events.

This development has put the spotlight on the responsibilities of political parties in ensuring public safety during gatherings. The TVK party is expected to cooperate fully with authorities as inquiries continue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

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